PeterE

I would highly recommend looking elsewhere.

If you're a west coaster bases can be attained within a somewhat reasonable amount of time (for now) but with the east coast growth this will continue to slow and increase. Reserve times are high and block times are low, not ideal for someone starting out and looking to build 121 flight time (it will take you a LONG time to get 1,000 121 for upgrade).

If you are ok with the east coast bases you WILL be ran ragged. Quality of life is terrible at virtually any seniority and our pay rates and work rules have fallen to the bottom of the pack. I would expect to get placed east in both fleets out of training with summer approaching and new east coast aircraft coming online. There is some growth out west with Alaska but these seats are spoken for by CRJ pilots and existing FO's.

You will not be a west coast captain in any reasonable amount of time. If you chose to upgrade to the east coast domiciles life will not be fun. You'll be doing the same job for not only a fraction of our mainline partners, but peers in the regional industry as well. You will be pushed into extensions, poor weather, and broken down (200) aircraft. There is no schedule flexibility, calling in sick or EMER are the only options.

I make this post because I often fly with misinformed new hires who were badly deceived.

The recruiters will sell you on the current domicile transfer times (which are a poor indicator of the future), stability of the company (SkyWest is going head on into a staffing crisis this summer, I would not want to be at the bottom when it hits..see RAH form a couple years ago), and future aircraft delivery (growth in the east, reductions in the west, CRJ is severely understaffed). The writing is on the wall here, things will only get worse.

SkyWest is not the place it once was, don't let some 1-2 year FO/CA recruiter tell you otherwise. There are many options out there superior to SW. Go get paid, enjoy a better quality of life. Don't waste 3-5 months in training at SKW, only to switch right after IOE.

skytrails

How about for a direct entry captain that wants an east coast or midwest base, wants to fly as much as possible so he can move on in the shortest amount of time?

amcnd

Today ______ (insert regional) is on the bottom. Pay, QOL sucks.. tomorrow said regional will be on top, and people won’t be able to get enough of them. Wait 5 years. Repeat...

One thing I've learned is don’t go based off of todays posts on APC... Go because it fits your “end” goal.....

Check Complete

Nope, SkyWest is just starting the steepest part of a very long down hill run. It is highly unlikely that our conditions will ever meet any where close to our competition. I give it 50/50 this is the start of the end. I’m certain our management talent could drive a top Burger King into the ground.

I’m very senior and have a bit to go, if I stay to the bitter end I’d be very near the top of the list. I get virtually any schedule I want, almost too comfortable. Sending out resumes Monday, including Home Depot. Not kidding!

Bottom line, if you live at our most junior bases, plan no more than 2 years here, you would be a blithering moron to come here.

rickair7777

They've done pretty well for a very long time.

Either they've suddenly developed dementia, or they have a plan.

The plan might be that the regional industry is about to change dramatically and there's nothing they can do about it, so they're enjoying the ride (and profits) while they can. They may suspect that most of the pilots are going to leave regardless when DAL starts paying six-figure signing bonuses to anyone with a 121 type rating, so why pee away cash fighting a losing battle? Profit off their backs until the bigs start drafting all comers.

Or maybe they're just not worried because they're still filling classes, and you guys still come to work six days a week.

COKS

Is it really that bad? Im looking to apply here in the coming months, debating skywest or republic.

Jet175

I hate to say it but PeterE is pretty spot on with his post.

flysooner9

Doubt management is planning on riding off into the sunset if they are back at the negotiating table.

Either way I still predict any regional pilot right now will have a seat at a major in the next 5 years if they want it.

Check Complete

On another forum, there is a comparison between Republics contract and SkyWest’s.

For my March schedule I’d be up over 2 grand alone and 7 hours of vacation and sick accrual!

COKS

Where might I be able to find that info at?